High School Equivalency (HSE) & English as a Second Language (ESL)

The Adult Learning Center (ALC) provides services in a campus-based learning center and is designed to improve the educational level of adults, out-of-school youth, and non-English speaking persons sixteen (16) years of age and older. Eligible students are individuals seeking to prepare for life, work, or post-secondary education with skill levels below the college level and who have the ability to benefit from the instruction.

The UNM-Los Alamos Adult Learning Center provides free classes, instructional materials, tutoring, and a computer practice lab for learning English as a Second Language (ESL), preparation for a high school equivalency credential, and preparation for college and a career. Services include instruction in reading, writing, and math, all levels of ESL instruction, and introduction to essential job skills for the workforce. 

Student Intake Form 

Underage Permission Form

New Classes Available to Start in November 2024

Beginning ESL 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at UNM-LA Building 7

Beginning ESL 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Mesa Library

Beginning ESL 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the White Rock Library

High School Equivalency 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at UNM-LA

Information and Orientation

Information and Orientation for Students at the Adult Learning Center

Contact Linda Nash at lnash@unm.edu for information about our College & Career Skills, English as a Second Language, or High School Equivalency Classes. You don’t need to wait for January; intake and orientation may be done now.

Our program is funded by a grant from the New Mexico Higher Education Department. The state requires us to document student progress; we do this by having students take the TABE assessment. The TABE assessment is given over a period of three days (Orientation week Tuesday to Thursday). It includes a Locator test which indicates what Level of pre-test to give you. The leveled pre-test includes reading, writing, speaking, and listening for English as a Second Language (ESL), or for High School Equivalency (HSE) the pre-test includes reading, math, and language. This is not a pass or fail exam; this helps our instructors to tailor lessons to meet your needs and help give you the tools to succeed. Once you complete the pre-test, you are eligible to attend classes.

Spring Orientation is four days starting Monday, January 6 and ending Thursday, January 9. There is a morning session 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and an evening session 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.; join us at the time that works best for your schedule. You need to complete an Intake Form. You may email it to lnash@unm.edu or bring it to Orientation. At Orientation, there will be additional forms to be filled out regarding privacy, goals, and student commitments.

Classes begin on Monday, January 13, 2025.

Fall 2024 HSE, Skills Building, and ESL Class Schedule

FALL Class Schedule: August 12 - December 20, 2024
Contact: LNash@unm.edu

 *College & Career Skills classes include a student orientation, TABE testing, Digital Literacy, Financial Literacy, soft skills, SMART Goals, and more.
DRC https://wbte.drcedirect.com/TABE/#portal/tabe/595219/adminId=59521 

High School Equivalency (HSE) Classes

• Free non-credit education courses for students age 16 and older (students between the ages of 16–17 must have a completed Underage Permission Form to be admitted).
• Home schooled students are welcome.
• Students can take advantage of our HSE pre-testing, small group and individual instruction, tutor assistance (subject to volunteer tutor availability), computer practice, and independent study.
• Students may be eligible for UNM's Bridge to Success Scholarship and New Mexico Lottery Scholarships after a New Mexico High School Equivalency Credential.
• This class prepares students for either the HiSet or GED®. An explanation of how the two tests compare can be found here.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes

Free English Classes!

• Classes help students improve English conversation, writing, reading, listening and pronunciation skills.
• Students also have the option of working with volunteer tutors (subject to availability) to strengthen their conversational skills.
• Free use of textbooks and instructional materials. Computer lab practice programs available.

UNM-LA Adult Learning Center Hours

Monday - Friday:
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Closed on holidays

Contact Information